The Chittagong Port Authority has warned of strict legal action against employees who oppose a recent High Court ruling allowing the appointment of a foreign operator at the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The warning was issued on Friday through an office order signed by Director (Administration) Omar Faruk, following reports that some port officials and workers had staged demonstrations and made negative comments against the court’s decision.

According to the authority, the High Court delivered its verdict on January 29, confirming that there is no legal barrier to appointing a foreign operator for the NCT project. In response, several workers and employees organized protest marches and group gatherings in various areas of the port, which the authority described as a direct violation of service regulations. Officials stated that previous warnings had been issued, and this latest notice serves as a final caution.

The dispute over the appointment of a foreign operator has caused months of tension within and outside the port. Following the court’s decision, labor groups including the Nationalist Workers Party and the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) announced plans to halt all operational activities at the port on Saturday and Sunday.

More than fifty leaders and activists from the Ganadhikar Parishad, including central and district-level figures, have joined Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi. The formal joining took place on Friday during a courtyard meeting organized by the Shuktagar Union in support of the party’s electoral symbol, the balance scale. Prominent among the new members are Md. Abdul Hamid, joint convener of Ganadhikar Parishad’s Rajapur unit, and Engineer Al-Amin, joint general secretary of the central committee of the Labour Rights Council and president of its Jhalakathi district branch.

The event was attended by Dr. Fayzul Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia) constituency, along with district Ameer Advocate Hafizur Rahman, Advocate Shah Alam, and local leaders from the NCP and the 11-party alliance. Speakers at the meeting said they joined Jamaat-e-Islami to work for Islamic ideals and national welfare, expressing hope that the party would play a key role in promoting moral and principled leadership in future politics.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders welcomed the new members and called for unity to strengthen the organization further.

Abdul Hannan Masud, the central senior joint chief coordinator of the National Congress Party (NCP) and the 11-party alliance candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), has threatened to withdraw from the election if attackers who allegedly assaulted his supporters are not arrested within two hours. He made the statement on Friday, January 30, at a press briefing in a convention hall in Noakhali, accusing armed assailants of injuring 8–10 of his supporters and throwing them into a river during a ferry inauguration event at Nalchira Ghat earlier in the day.

Masud demanded immediate arrests of the identified attackers and warned of tougher actions, including surrounding the local police station, if authorities fail to act. He said that despite repeated appeals, the administration has not provided any remedy. He also stated that his participation in the election would depend on whether the government takes action against the armed groups.

Earlier, a video of a chase and counter-chase between Masud’s supporters and a group of youths at the ferry terminal went viral, with Masud claiming that his supporters were injured in the incident.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited the grave of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, who was killed during the July movement. The visit took place on Friday evening at Jafarpur Babonpur village in Pirganj, Rangpur. After offering prayers at the grave, Rahman spoke with members of Abu Sayeed’s family. Senior BNP leader AZM Zahid Hossain and other district leaders were also present during the visit.

Following the visit, AZM Zahid Hossain told reporters that Tarique Rahman prayed for the departed soul of Abu Sayeed, referring to him as a martyr of the July student uprising. Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department’s 12th batch at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement near the university’s Park intersection. He was buried the next day at his family home in the same village.

The visit highlighted BNP’s continued engagement with families affected by the July movement and its remembrance of those killed during the protests.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and NCP during the inauguration of the ‘Mahananda’ ferry service at Nolchira–Chairman Ghat in Hatiya, Noakhali, on Friday afternoon. The conflict began after both groups started chanting separate slogans claiming credit for the ferry’s launch. The situation escalated into chasing, stone-throwing, and physical altercations, causing panic among thousands of attendees. Injured individuals, including a Coast Guard driver, were treated at the Upazila Health Complex and local clinics. Naval and police personnel quickly brought the situation under control, though tension remained in the area.

The ferry service was officially inaugurated by Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, in the presence of BIWTC Chairman Arif Ahmed Mostafa and representatives of local organizations. Residents said the new service would significantly improve connectivity for the island’s population, facilitating transport of passengers and goods and boosting trade and tourism.

Local leaders described the ferry as a milestone for Hatiya, warning that political rivalry could undermine this achievement. The ferry has a capacity of about 250 tons and will operate in line with tidal conditions.

In Madaripur-1 (Shibchar) constituency, several Awami League leaders have been seen openly supporting independent candidate Kamal Zaman Molla, who was expelled from the BNP for contesting the upcoming national election against party directives. Their participation in his campaign events, despite a ban on such activities, has sparked widespread discussion and concern among locals. Reports indicate that some of these leaders, including former upazila chairman Abdul Latif Molla and municipal Awami League president Tofazzal Hossain, face multiple criminal cases.

Kamal Zaman Molla, formerly a member of the Shibchar BNP convening committee, was expelled on January 21 through a press release signed by the BNP joint secretary general. Since then, Awami League figures at various levels have intensified their visible support for him. A recent courtyard meeting at Abdul Latif Molla’s residence, later circulated on social media, further fueled debate.

Local BNP leaders have questioned how individuals facing criminal charges can campaign publicly, while police officials described campaign choices as personal matters. Political analysts suggested that such activities could alter local electoral dynamics, prompting curiosity about the Election Commission’s response.

A BNP leader named Milon Mia was arrested early Friday during a joint forces operation in the Balashighat area of Konchipara Union under Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha. According to police sources, the operation was conducted based on secret information, and several homemade weapons were seized from his residence.

Fulchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Durul Huda confirmed that legal action has been taken against the detainee and that he was sent to court on Friday. The arrest followed a coordinated raid by the joint forces aimed at recovering illegal arms in the area.

The report did not specify further details about the charges or the broader context of the operation beyond the immediate arrest and seizure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central secretary, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, stated that none of the political parties that governed the country over the past 54 years can claim to be free from corruption. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Maulagang Bazar field in Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria. The event was presided over by Upazila Jamaat president Kazi Abul Bashar and conducted by Upazila secretary Shamim Nur Islam.

Jamaat’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur), Md. Mohsin Mia, spoke as the chief speaker, pledging that if Jamaat forms the government, a 25-kilometer marine drive from Ulukandi to South Baherchar will be built to boost the region’s economy. Other central and local Jamaat leaders, including freedom fighter Abdus Sattar and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Zahidul Islam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers urged voters to support the party’s scale symbol in the upcoming national election, promising a peaceful, corruption-free, and drug-free Bangladesh if Jamaat wins.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal on February 4 to attend an election rally at the historic Bell’s Park field. The date was confirmed by Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, BNP’s Barishal divisional organizing secretary and former MP, who announced it on her Facebook page. She said Rahman will deliver a speech as the chief guest at noon, and the schedule was finalized after receiving confirmation late on January 29.

According to party sources, Rahman will travel from Jashore to Barishal by air and return to Dhaka by road. The visit details have been communicated to BNP’s nominated candidates for 21 constituencies in Barishal division, as well as divisional and district leaders. Shirin stated that preparations are nearly complete and only awaiting his arrival. She also mentioned that Rahman will meet divisional BNP leaders on Saturday.

Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 when he was the party’s senior joint secretary general. This will be his first visit as BNP chairperson, and party members view the trip as significant for local politics ahead of the upcoming election.

Independent candidate Dr. Tasnim Jara from Dhaka-9 constituency stated on Friday that change is inevitable, emphasizing her campaign’s 'magic number 5' strategy. In a Facebook post, she said that supporters are reaching out to five acquaintances each, which she believes will disrupt the old political calculations. She urged voters to engage in sincere conversations rather than rely on money, loud campaigning, or illegal posters.

Jara highlighted that democracy is rooted in people’s choice, which cannot be overturned by wealth or noise. She called Friday and Saturday the most crucial days before the election, asking supporters to spend 30 minutes talking to loved ones about her campaign. She also reminded voters that her electoral symbol is the football, clarifying confusion with another symbol.

According to Jara, the people of Dhaka-9 will lead the way in transforming politics, signaling her confidence in a shift away from traditional political practices.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and lawyer Shishir Monir from Sunamganj-2 constituency said that without innovation in politics after August 5, the old political culture would return. He made the remarks on Friday, January 30, in Dirai’s Dhal Bazar after an attack on his campaign vehicle. Monir condemned the incident and called for identifying those responsible, describing the attack as an attempt to destroy new political thinking rather than mere vandalism.

He stated that an intolerant attitude was spreading across the country, which he said was undesirable. Monir urged political parties to engage in coordinated discussions and called on the Election Commission to take effective initiatives to stop such incidents. He emphasized that without such action, no qualitative change in politics could be expected.

Monir concluded that immediate steps were necessary to end the ongoing hostility and ensure a constructive political environment in the country.

Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security measures across the Rajshahi division’s border areas ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. More than 4,000 BGB personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure stability. The force has also increased the use of modern technology to curb crime and monitor border conditions. Coordination discussions have been held with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to keep the situation stable.

At a press conference held on Friday morning near the Rajshahi–Naogaon highway, BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Syed Kamal Hossain detailed the security plan. He said the Rajshahi sector, covering seven districts, 62 upazilas, and one city corporation with 37 constituencies, will operate from 65 base camps with 146 mobile and striking platoons. Additionally, each of the 76 border outposts will have 10 striking reserve members ready for deployment.

Colonel Hossain added that helicopters will be kept ready to enable quick response forces to reach any emergency location swiftly. A security drill was conducted on the highway following the press briefing.

A three-year-old child abducted from in front of Mugda Government Medical College Hospital in Dhaka was rescued within 24 hours by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The main suspect, Md. Chan Mia, aged 41, was arrested during the same operation in Gaibandha district. The child, found unharmed, has been reunited with the family. Law enforcement agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved in the abduction.

The abduction occurred on January 28 when the child, visiting the hospital with family for medical care, briefly went out of sight. The abductor took advantage of the moment, carrying the child away from the hospital area. Following the incident, Mugda police and RAB launched a joint search, analyzing CCTV footage and using technology-based tracking to trace the suspect’s movements.

Officials indicated that the abduction was premeditated and possibly involved more individuals. Based on the suspect’s initial confession, investigators are verifying information to locate potential accomplices. Authorities urged parents to remain vigilant in crowded public areas and to report any suspicious activity immediately to nearby police stations.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Gopalganj to maintain overall law and order following several recent incidents of crude bomb explosions in the district town. The deployment took place on Thursday, January 29, after explosions near the deputy commissioner’s office, the district judge’s residence, and the gate of Gopalganj University created widespread panic among residents.

According to sources, the move comes as part of heightened security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Law enforcement agencies have identified Gopalganj, along with Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as high-risk areas due to fears of sabotage, violence, and voter intimidation. Police headquarters stated that a special security plan was prepared based on past incidents of political violence and intelligence assessments.

BGB’s TWiC Major Nur Uddin Ahmad said separate camps have been established in Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, Kotalipara, Tungipara, and Muksudpur upazilas. Checkposts have been set up on the Dhaka-Khulna highway and other key points to inspect vehicles and strengthen surveillance.